P3442 code meaning
Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P34xx codes Check engine light
What P3442 means
P3442 reports that cylinder 6 does not switch off or back on as commanded although its control circuit tests fine. FCA uses it as Cylinder 6 Deactivation Control Performance on the 6.4 l Heavy Duty Hemi with MDS in RAM 2500 to 5500 trucks: bulletins 18-082-16 and 18-036-20 list it with P3402, P3426 and P3450 under a lit MIL and fix it with new PCM software. Ford stores it on 2025 F-150 5.0 l trucks built January to April 2025: bulletin 25-2487, replaced by 26-2093, traces P3442 and P3450 to a restricted oil feed tube for the left-bank deactivation solenoids, which is renewed under the valve cover. GM's L84 judges cylinder 6 under its own code P349D. Electrical faults on the same channel are P3441, P3443 and P3444.
P3442 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyHard
- Typical labor0.5 to 12 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P3442
- Check engine lamp on
- Jerk or vibration when the engine changes between eight and four cylinders
- Misfire on cylinder 6 (P0306)
- Fuel consumption rises because deactivation is locked out
Common causes of P3442
- PossibleOutdated PCM calibration (FCA 6.4 l, bulletins 18-082-16 and 18-036-20)
- PossibleRestricted oil feed tube to the left-bank solenoids (Ford 5.0 l, TSB 26-2093)
- PossibleOil level too low, wrong grade or worn oil, so pressure builds too slowly
- Less likelyDeactivating lifter of cylinder 6 not locking or unlocking
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Cylinder deactivation solenoidLifterEngine oil
What each part of P3442 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 3 | Mixed range: generic and manufacturer-specific codes. |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 42 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P3442 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P3442
What does P3442 mean?
P3442 means "Cylinder 6 Deactivation/Intake Valve Control Performance". P3442 reports that cylinder 6 does not switch off or back on as commanded although its control circuit tests fine. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P3442?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P3442 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P3442 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P3442 to fix?
Difficulty: hard. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 12 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P3442 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.